Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

Cisco Systems, Inc. is the world’s largest provider of networking equipment and ranks among the largest software companies globally. Its core businesses include networking hardware and software, where it holds leading market positions, as well as cybersecurity software such as firewalls. The company also offers collaboration solutions, including its Webex suite, and observability tools. Cisco primarily relies on third-party manufacturers and maintains a large sales and marketing organization of 25,000 employees across 90 countries. In total, the company employs about 80,000 people and markets its products worldwide.

Mastercard Incorporated is the world’s second-largest payment processor, handling nearly $11 trillion in payment volume during 2025. The company operates in more than 200 countries and territories and processes transactions in over 150 currencies worldwide.